Poynton extended their lead at the top by taking the lion's share of the bonus points against their nearest challengers.

Their unbeaten run is now 15 games dating back to July last year.

Once again, Poynton's formidable batting line up found form.

Brian Kingham and Steve Douglas scored freely, adding 67 in 13 overs for the first wicket either side of an interruption for rain of more than two hours.

Both departed in quick succession - Kingham for 34 and Douglas for 31.

Then David Watkins and Derwin Thompson maintained the run rate, with Watkins contributing 39 more runs in what has so far been an excellent season for him.

More quick runs from number five Nick Cantello completed Poynton's total, with the declaration coming after 38 overs once maximum batting points had been achieved and Thompson had completed a fourth 50 in five innings.

With only 31 overs to bat, Marple set out requiring around six per over.

Andy Marshall began positively, contributing 41 from 35 balls.

Once he was out, his opening partner James Crisall took charge, and by the time Crisall was yorked by Simon Turner for 51, Marple were in a good position at 108-2 with 11 overs left.

Two wickets in two balls from Watkins and a run out then saw a slump to 115-5 with seven overs left, and a Marple victory looked improbable.

There was, however, some late drama provided by Gary Cash.

He hit four sixes in the next five overs, and was caught on the boundary attempting a fifth - had this shot also cleared the rope, Marple may well have triumphed.

With Cash gone, their challenge ended, but their lower order was able to salvage the draw. With 4 for 46, Watkins was the pick of Poynton's attack.

Martin Saxon

Meanwhile, the weather took its toll at the weekend with very few teams playing. In the Shammah Nicholls Cheshire Alliance.

In Division One, Alderley Park greeted Stretton, who put them in to bat.

Park had a fantastic innings scoring 255-3dec, Ritesh Jain scoring nearly half the total himself with 106.

Neil Widdowson supported him with 57.

Stretton were dismissed for 120, Steve Oldfield scoring 49, and Neil Jones taking more than half the wickets with 6-15.

Over Peover greeted Trafford MV, who made first use of the wicket, scoring 102 before being dismissed. Danny Ruddock bowled 3-11.